2_0_DiscoverGermany_July 2015_Issue28:Scan Magazine 1
26/6/15
11:41
Page 52
Explore a lively fairy tale town Boasting 420 stunningly restored historic timber framed buildings, a packed event calendar plus a most welcoming array of cafes, wine bars and cultural highlights, the city of Alsfeld should not be missed while travelling along Germany’s most iconic routes.
Main image: Historic market square Top: The Grabbrunnen square Bottom: Historic wine cellar
TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: ALSFELD TOURISM
Neatly positioned right in the heart of Germany, Hessia’s historic town of Alsfeld is to be found on the German Fairy Tale Route as well as the German Timber-Frame Road, both clearly dropping a hint about what to expect. “Since 1975 Alsfeld has been declared a European Model City for heritage building conservation. Only 50 cities in Europe have been chosen (including Amsterdam, Verona and Istanbul) and thanks to Alsfeld’s forward-thinking approach to preservation of sights of historic interest at the beginning of the 20th century, we are one of them. Today we are proudly counting 420 perfectly preserved timber framed houses, some of them up to seven centuries old in our town,” member of the Alsfeld Tourism team and local tour guide Marco Leweke explains.
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The medieval flair is best absorbed with a visit to the magnificent town hall. Built between 1512 and 1516, the over 500-year old symbol of Alsfeld brings history alive and never fails to impress visitors of all age groups. Around the town hall, Alsfeld enchants with countless little alleys and picturesque squares. The Fairy Tale House, a collection of doll’s houses from two centuries or the nearby Romrod Castle are just a few examples of what not to be missed. Exciting events such as the Herb Market and the Fairy Tale Fair are scheduled, allowing visitors to dive into bustling medieval market square activities or rub shoulders with Little Red Riding Hood and other characters of the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tales.“A lively town in a historic dress,“ is how Leweke describes his hometown.
In August, The Home and City Fair is part of Alsfeld’s cultural calendar, while September marks the Bewitching Night and the Beer Festival. In October the Chocolate Market attracts locals as well as guests alike, followed by the Taverns Festival in November and of course the iconic Christmas Market. Whatever the occasion, Alsfeld is the perfect historic backdrop. www.alsfeld.de